Multi-purpose garment convertible to a tote bag

ABSTRACT

A system for use in a tote bag mode and a garment mode has a body of fabric having a first longitudinal side having a first sleeve formed along an outer edge and a parallel second longitudinal side having a second sleeve formed along an outer edge. A first drawstring operates in the first sleeve and a second drawstring operates in the second sleeve. In the tote bag mode, the entire lengths of the first and second longitudinal sides are cinched together along the drawstrings, such that the body forms a pouch extending between the first cinched longitudinal side and the second cinched longitudinal side. In the garment mode, the entire length of at least one of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side is extended uncinched along its length, the system configured to selectably form any one of a plurality of garments.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments herein relate in general to an adjustable fit, multi-purpose garment wearable as a skirt, top, wrap, scarf, head covering and more, while also convertible into a tote bag.

BACKGROUND

Going to the beach, a pool, or boating can require much forethought and planning with regard to what garments one will bring, as there is a need for lightweight cover-ups that can provide modesty, sun protection and wind protection, for example, for various parts of the body, including the hair. Packing garments to cover each scenario would require at least a large bag.

There is also the need to easily carry personal items easily without having to carry a large bag, such as the bag used to bring towels and other necessities. For example, when a person goes to the beach or to the pool, that person typically has a large beach bag with his or her wallet, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, shoes, drink, etc. in it. If the person wants to walk along the beach or to get food or drink, he or she does not want to bring the large beach bag with them. Rather the person only wants to bring along his or her valuables.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are systems convertible between a tote bag mode and a garment mode. One such system for use in a tote bag mode and a garment mode comprises a body of fabric having a first longitudinal side having a first sleeve formed along an outer edge and a parallel second longitudinal side having a second sleeve formed along an outer edge, and opposing lateral edges. A first drawstring in the first sleeve is operable along at least a portion of a length of the first longitudinal side, and a second drawstring in the second sleeve is operable along at least a portion of a length of the second longitudinal side. In the tote bag mode, the entire length of the first longitudinal side is cinched together along the first drawstring, and the entire length of the second longitudinal side is cinched together along the second drawstring, such that the body forms a pouch extending between the first cinched longitudinal side and the second cinched longitudinal side, with at least one of the first drawstring and the second drawstring forming a strap for holding the pouch. In the garment mode, the entire length of at least one of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side is extended uncinched along its length, the system configured to selectably form any one of a plurality of garments.

Another such system for use as a tote bag and as an adjustable size, multi-purpose garment comprises a body of fabric having a first longitudinal side having a first sleeve formed along an outer edge and a parallel second longitudinal side having a second sleeve formed along an outer edge, and opposing lateral edges. A first adjustment member positioned in the first sleeve operable to adjust a length of the first longitudinal side, and a second adjustment member positioned in the second sleeve operable to adjust a length of the second longitudinal side. When used as the tote bag, the length of the first longitudinal side is reduced with the first adjustment member and the length of the second longitudinal side is reduced with the second adjustment member, such that the body forms a pouch extending between the reduced first longitudinal side and the reduced second longitudinal side, with at least one of the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member forming a strap for holding the pouch. When worn as the adjustable size, multipurpose garment, the entire length of one of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side is extended to a full length and the length of the other of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side is selectively adjustable along the length by a wearer to fit around a portion of a body of the wearer, depending on a selected garment.

These and other aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features, advantages and other uses of the present apparatus will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description and drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system for use in a tote bag mode and a garment mode;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the circled portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial view of the system of FIG. 1 with a longitudinal edge reduced in length by cinching;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the system in use in the tote bag mode;

FIG. 4B is another perspective view of the system in use in the tote bag mode;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the system in use in the garment mode as one of the plurality of garments;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the system in use in the garment mode as another of the plurality of garments;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the system in use in the garment mode as another of the plurality of garments;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the system in use in the garment mode as another of the plurality of garments;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the system in use in the garment mode as another of the plurality of garments;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the system in use in the garment mode as another of the plurality of garments;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the system in use in the garment mode as another of the plurality of garments;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the system in use in the garment mode as another of the plurality of garments;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the system in use in the garment mode as another of the plurality of garments; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the system in use in the garment mode as another of the plurality of garments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system for use in a tote bag mode and a garment mode is described herein with reference to the figures. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a body 10 of fabric having a first longitudinal side 12 having a first sleeve 14 formed along an outer edge and a parallel second longitudinal side 16 having a second sleeve 18 formed along an outer edge, and opposing lateral edges 20, 22. As used herein, the term “fabric” includes any material that can comfortably be used as a garment. Fabric includes, but is not limited to, cotton, linen, rayon, polyester, lycra™, spandex, blends of materials, material that provides sun protection, material that is water resistant, material that is waterproof, and the like.

The system 100 includes a first adjustment member 24 in the first sleeve 14 operable along at least a portion of a length of the first longitudinal side 12 and a second adjustment member 26 in the second sleeve 18 operable along at least a portion of a length of the second longitudinal side 16. The first adjustment member 24 can be a first drawstring positioned in the first sleeve 14 operable to adjust a length of the first longitudinal side 12, while the second adjustment member 26 can be a second drawstring positioned in the second sleeve 18 operable to adjust a length of the second longitudinal side 16. Although the example of a drawstring is used herein interchangeably with adjustment member, other suitable adjustment members can be used. The drawstrings 24, 26 can extend along the entire length of a respective longitudinal edge 12, 16, with ends accessible through openings at each end of the respective sleeve 14, 18. However, each drawstring 24, 26 can also be two drawstrings that are fixed in the central portion of the respective longitudinal edge 12, 16, thereby preventing removal of the drawstring from the sleeve and keeping the center of the overall adjustment member proximate the center of its respective longitudinal edge 12, 16.

Each of the first drawstring 24 and the second drawstring 26 can include an ornament 28 at each end. The ornament 28 can be aesthetic only, and/or can be sized to prevent the end from entering a respective sleeve 14, 18.

When used in the tote bag mode, the length of the first longitudinal side 12 is reduced with the first adjustment member 24 and the length of the second longitudinal side 16 is reduced with the second adjustment member 26. For example, the entire length of the first longitudinal side 12 is cinched together along the first drawstring 24 and the entire length of the second longitudinal side 16 is cinched together along the second drawstring 26. This is illustrated in FIG. 3. The body 10 forms a pouch 30 extending between the reduced first longitudinal side 12 and the reduced second longitudinal side 16, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The pouch has an opening 32 between opposing lateral edges 20, 22 through which a cavity is accessible to tote items. At least one of the first adjustment member 24 and the second adjustment member 26 form a strap 34 for holding the pouch 30. For example, the first cinched longitudinal side 12 can be cinched proximate a longitudinal center 36 of the first drawstring 24 and the second cinched longitudinal side 16 is cinched proximate a longitudinal center 34 of the second drawstring 26. The ends 24 a, 24 b of the first drawstring 24 can be tied with the ends 26 a, 26 b of the second drawstring 26 such that the tie 36 rests near the shoulder of the wearer 40. As another non-limiting example, the first cinched longitudinal side 12 can be cinched proximate an end 24 a, 24 b of the first drawstring 24 and the second cinched longitudinal side 16 is cinched proximate an end 26 a, 26 b of the second drawstring 26. The ends 24 a, 24 b of the first drawstring 24 can be tied with the ends 26 a, 26 b of the second drawstring 26 such that the tie 36 rests near one of the cinched longitudinal sides of the pouch 30.

In the garment mode, the length of each of the first longitudinal side 12 and the second longitudinal side 16 is selectably adjustable along a respective drawstring 24, 26, the system configured to selectably form any one of a plurality of garments, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-14. The ability to selectively adjust the lengths of each of the first and second longitudinal sides 12, 16 without regard to the other allows for a multitude of garment configurations, while also allowing for significant variation in size of the wearer.

In one configuration of the garment mode, one of the first longitudinal side 12 and the second longitudinal side 16 is fully extended along its length and the other of the first longitudinal side 12 and the second longitudinal side 16 is partially cinched, exposing at least both ends of a respective drawstring 24, 26. The amount of cinching is selected based on a wearer's size and the desired coverage. For example, the first longitudinal side 12 can be partially cinched while the second longitudinal side 16 is left fully extended along its length. Depending on the type of garment selected, the first longitudinal side 12 is placed around a portion of the wearer's body and both ends 24 a, 24 b are tied together to secure the garment, with the lateral edges 20, 22 of the body 10 being substantially extended along a length of each lateral edge 20, 22. This configuration can be seen in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8. The one of the first longitudinal side or the second longitudinal side that is extended uncinched along its length provides weight to a hem of each of the some of the plurality of garments to improve draping of each garment.

As shown in FIG. 5, one of the plurality of garments is a skirt 50, with the first longitudinal side 12 partially cinched and tied around the wearer's waist. As shown in FIG. 7, one of the plurality of garments is a cape 60, with the first longitudinal side 12 partially cinched and tied around the wearer's neck. One of the plurality of garments is a top 70, with the first longitudinal side 12 partially cinched and placed under the wearer's arms. The drawstring 24 is tied at a wearer's bust or back, as shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top 75 in which the first longitudinal side 12 is partially cinched along the drawstring 24, with the body 10 draped in front of the wearer 40 and the drawstring 24 tied behind the wearer's neck. The second longitudinal side 16 is wrapped around the wearer's waist or hips, depending on the wearer's desire, and the drawstring is tied at the wearer's back, to form a halter. Alternatively, depending on the wearer's size and desire, the corners of the body at the second longitudinal side can be tied at the wearer's back.

In another configuration of the garment mode, the entire length of each of the first longitudinal side 12 and the second longitudinal side 16 is extended uncinched along its length, with two opposing longitudinal corners of the body 10 tied together to form some of the plurality of garments. FIG. 6 illustrates one of the plurality of garments as a skirt 80 to be worn at the wearer's waist with the corners of the body 10 tied together, making the size of the skirt completely adjustable to the wearer 40. The size around the waist is completely adjustable, as well as the length. The more of the body 10 used in the tie, the shorter the skirt 80 will be.

Another of the plurality of garments is a cape to be worn at the wearer's neck, similar to that shown in FIG. 7, except that the corners of the body 10 are tied together rather than the drawstring 24. Tying the corners of the body 10 shortens the length of the front of the cape by shortening the lateral edges 20, 22. FIG. 9 illustrates yet another one of the plurality of garments as a top 90 to be wrapped under the wearer's arms and tied at a wearer's bust. Alternatively, the top 70 can be tied at the back of the wearer 40, similar to that shown in FIG. 8.

In yet another configuration in the garment mode, the entire length of each of the first longitudinal side 12 and the second longitudinal side 16 is extended uncinched along its length. The body 10 is gathered at each lateral edge 20, 22, such gathering extending along a length of the body 10 to form some of the plurality of garments. FIG. 11 illustrates one of the plurality of garments as a shawl 100 with the body 10 around a wearer's shoulders and the gathered lateral ends 20, 22 tied at the wearer's bust. FIG. 12 illustrates one of the plurality of garments as a cover-up 110 for a bathing suit bottom with the gathered body 10 wrapped around the wearer's bottom and the gathered lateral edges 20, 22 tied together at a wearer's hips. One of the plurality of garments can also be a scarf that is configured to be worn on a wearer's head or around the wearer's neck.

In yet another configuration in the garment mode, the entire length of each of the first longitudinal side 12 and the second longitudinal side 16 is extended uncinched along its length, with the body 10 folded at least once along a longitudinal axis X (shown in FIG. 1) to reduce a length of each of the lateral edges 20, 22. The folded body 10 is gathered at the lateral edges 20, 22, leaving a folded and optionally gathered midsection 44 of the body 10 to form some of the plurality of garments. As illustrated in FIG. 13, one of the plurality of garments is a scarf or bandana 120 with the midsection 44 around the wearer's head and the lateral edges 20, 22 tied together or tucked between the midsection 44 and the head 41 of the wearer 40. FIG. 14 illustrates a scarf 130 with the midsection 44 wrapped around the wearer's neck. The lateral edges 20, 22 can either be tied together or left hanging as desired by the wearer. This folded configuration can also be used as a cover-up similar to that shown in FIG. 12 or as a shawl similar to that shown in FIG. 11, depending on the size of the wearer 40 and/or the wearer's desired coverage.

As used herein, “tying” ends, drawstrings or corners includes looping around one another, tying in a bow, tying in one or more knots, and other tying mechanisms known to those skilled in the art.

Below are detailed examples of the system used in tote bag mode and garment mode. The examples below are not meant to be limiting.

The body is made of fabric in a rectangular shape. The lateral edges of the body can range from about 14 inches to about 30 inches, and may particularly be approximately 20 inches. The longitudinal sides can have a length from between about 50 inches to 60 inches. The longitudinal edges and the lateral edges of the body are folded over, pressed to smooth and then stitched from one end to the other to form a hem around the perimeter of the body. The longitudinal sides of the body are then folded over a second time and stitched to form the sleeve through which the drawstring is inserted. Two pliable drawstring cords are used with a length about 1 to 4 inches longer than the length of the longitudinal sides. The drawstring can be approximately ⅛ inch to ½ inch in diameter. Each of the four drawstring ends can be tied in a knot at the end and/or can be secured with an end cap such as a bead, metal spacer, shell or other ornamental member. The ornamental member can be sized to prevent the end of the drawstring from slipping into the sleeve.

When worn as a skirt, also called a wrap:

-   -   a) The top longitudinal side is wrapped around the waist or just         below waist level resting on the hips. The two top corners of         the body can be tied securely together, with the more of the         body gathered for the tie, the shorter and/or tighter the skirt         will be. This is illustrated in FIG. 6.     -   b) The top longitudinal side is wrapped around the waist or just         below waist level resting on the hips. The two top drawstring         ends are pulled at the waste and tied together allowing for a         more modest and loose fit and longer length. This is illustrated         in FIG. 5.     -   c) The top longitudinal side is wrapped around the waist or just         below waist level resting on the hips. The two top drawstring         ends are tied together and the two bottom drawstring ends are         tied together to provide a more modest skirt that does not         freely open at the bottom.     -   d) The body can be folded once or twice as desired, or the         lateral ends can be gathered to gather the body as well. The         body is placed on the rear and the ends are brought around front         and tied at the hip. This is illustrated in FIG. 12.

When worn as a bandana style head scarf: the body is folded lengthwise twice. The lateral ends are gathered and held by hand at both lateral ends. The center of the folded body is placed at the back of the head, with the ends brought forward to crisscross the folded body at the forehead and brought again to the back of the head where gathered lateral ends are tucked under the wrapped portion.

When worn as a gypsy head scarf: the body is gathered and held at the opposite lateral ends by hand and the center of the gathered body is brought to the front of the forehead. One end is wrapped behind the head and meets the end that is in front and then both ends are tied together at the ear allowing the ends to drape down to the shoulder. This is shown in FIG. 13.

When worn as a neck scarf: the body is folded lengthwise twice. The folded body is held at the opposite lateral ends by hand with the center of the folded body pulled to the back of the neck and brought forward to connect at the front of the neck. This is shown in FIG. 14.

When worn as a cape: the body conforms to the shoulders when the top drawstring ends are pulled at the neck and tied. The body drapes down, covering the shoulders and the torso. It can be worn tied in the front, or tied at the shoulder. This is illustrated in FIG. 7. Alternatively, the corners of the body can be tied together. This is illustrated in FIG. 8.

When worn as a shawl or as a shoulder wrap: The body can be left unfolded or folded once or twice if desired, depending on the size of the wearer and the coverage desired. The lateral ends are gathered and the body is wrapped around the back with the ends coming over the shoulders to the front, where the lateral ends are tied to wear as a shorter shoulder wrap type shawl. This is illustrated in FIG. 11.

When worn as a top:

-   -   a) When worn as a front bodice cover-up, the top longitudinal         side is wrapped around the back under the arms. Each top end of         the drawstring is tied at the front. Alternatively, the corners         of the body can be tied together to shorten the length of the         cover-up. This is illustrated in FIG. 9. These can be reversed         and tied in the back as illustrated in FIG. 10.     -   b) When worn as a halter top, the body is placed in front of the         bust. The top drawstring ends are pulled together so material is         cinched enough to drape at the front neckline and there is         enough drawstring to tie at the back of the neck. The bottom         drawstring ends are pulled towards the back of the waistline and         tied in a knot at the back.

When used as a tote bag: The two ends of one drawstring are pulled together cinching the entire longitudinal side of material as tight as it can be. Tie drawstring in a knot at the base of the material. The two ends of the other drawstring are pulled together cinching the other entire longitudinal side of material as tight as it can be. Tie drawstring in a knot at the base of the material. A pair of drawstring ends is taken in each hand. The drawstrings are brought together and tied in a bow or knot at the ends to form a strap or handle for the tote bag that can be placed over the shoulder. Items such as keys, cell phone, flip flops, lotion and money can be inserted into the tote bag.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for use in a tote bag mode and a garment mode, the system comprising: a body of fabric having a first longitudinal side having a first sleeve formed along an outer edge and a parallel second longitudinal side having a second sleeve formed along an outer edge, and opposing lateral edges; a first drawstring in the first sleeve operable along at least a portion of a length of the first longitudinal side; and a second drawstring in the second sleeve operable along at least a portion of a length of the second longitudinal side, wherein, in the tote bag mode: the entire length of the first longitudinal side is cinched together along the first drawstring; and the entire length of the second longitudinal side is cinched together along the second drawstring, such that the body forms a pouch extending between the first cinched longitudinal side and the second cinched longitudinal side, with at least one of the first drawstring and the second drawstring forming a strap for holding the pouch; and wherein, in the garment mode: the length of each of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side is selectably adjustable along a respective drawstring, the system configured to selectably form any one of a plurality of garments.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein, in the garment mode, one of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side is fully extended along its length and the other of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side is partially cinched, exposing both ends of a respective drawstring, an amount of cinching selected based on a wearer's size, both ends tied together to form some of the plurality of garments with the lateral edges of the body being substantially extended along a length of each lateral edge.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the respective drawstring of the one of the first longitudinal side or the second longitudinal side that is extended uncinched along its length provides weight to a hem of each of the some of the plurality of garments to improve draping of each garment.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of garments include a skirt with the partially cinched longitudinal side wrapped around and tied at a wearer's waist, a cape with the partially cinched longitudinal side wrapped around and tied at the wearer's neck and a top with the partially cinched longitudinal side wrapped under the wearer's armed and tied at the wearer's bust or back.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein, in the garment mode, the entire length of each of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side is extended uncinched along its length.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein two opposing longitudinal corners of the body are tied together to form some of the plurality of garments, an amount of the body used for the tie selected based on a wearer's size and desired garment length.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the some of the plurality of garments includes a skirt to be wrapped around and tied at the wearer's waist, a cape to be wrapped around and tied at the wearer's neck and a top to be wrapped under the wearer's arms and tied at the wearer's bust or back.
 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the body is gathered at each lateral edge, such gathering extending along a length of the body to form some of the plurality of garments.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein one of the plurality of garments is a cover-up for a bathing suit bottom with the gathered body wrapped around a wearer's bottom and the gathered lateral edges tied together at the wearer's hips.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein one of the plurality of garments is a shawl with the gathered body wrapped around a wearer's shoulders and the lateral edges tied together at the wearer's bust.
 11. The system of claim 5, wherein the body is folded at least once along a longitudinal axis to reduce a length of each of the lateral edges, the folded body gathered at the lateral edges, leaving a folded midsection of the body to form some of the plurality of garments.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein one of the plurality of garments is a scarf that is wrapped around a wearer's head or around the wearer's neck.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of garments includes a shawl with the folded midsection around a wearer's shoulders and the lateral edges tied together at the wearer's bust and a bandana with the folded midsection around the wearer's head and the lateral edges tied together or tucked between the folded midsection and the wearer's head.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein, in the garment mode, the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side are variably cinched along a respective drawstring, an amount of cinching selected based on a wearer's size and desired coverage, both ends tied together to form some of the plurality of garments.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein one of the plurality of garments is a halter top with the first longitudinal side placed at a wearer's neck with the respective drawstring brought around and tied at a back of the wearer's neck, with the second longitudinal side wrapped around the wearer's waist or hips with the respective drawstring tied at the wearer's back.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the first drawstring extends along the entire length of the first longitudinal side and the second drawstring extends along the entire length of the second longitudinal side, and wherein, in the tote bag mode, the first cinched longitudinal side is cinched proximate a longitudinal center of the first drawstring and the second cinched longitudinal side is cinched proximate a longitudinal center of the second drawstring.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein both ends of the first drawstring and both ends of the second drawstring are tied together to form the strap.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first drawstring and the second drawstring includes an ornament at each end sized to prevent the end from entering a respective sleeve.
 19. A system for use as a tote bag and as an adjustable size, multi-purpose garment, the system comprising: a body of fabric having a first longitudinal side having a first sleeve formed along an outer edge and a parallel second longitudinal side having a second sleeve formed along an outer edge, and opposing lateral edges; a first adjustment member positioned in the first sleeve operable to adjust a length of the first longitudinal side; and a second adjustment member positioned in the second sleeve operable to adjust a length of the second longitudinal side, wherein, when used as the tote bag: the length of the first longitudinal side is reduced with the first adjustment member; and the length of the second longitudinal side is reduced with the second adjustment member, such that the body forms a pouch extending between the reduced first longitudinal side and the reduced second longitudinal side, with at least one of the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member forming a strap for holding the pouch; and wherein, when worn as the adjustable size, multipurpose garment: the length of each of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side is selectively adjustable along the length by a wearer to fit around a portion of a body of the wearer, depending on a selected garment.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the selected garment is one of a skirt, a top, a cape, a shawl and a scarf. 